Friday, October 24, 2008

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH CHRISTINE JOHNSON OF "TEAM JOHNSON"

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH CHRISTINE JOHNSON OF "TEAM JOHNSON"
What sport do you specialise in? Showjumping now, but I train riders and horses in all disciplines. I was a very keen eventing rider when I was younger. I also managed and operated my own Racehorse training Business “Neumont Park Racing Ltd.” in the Hawkesbury region for over 15 years (1977 - 1993). I've held my Thoroughbred Trainers Licence in NSW and in Victoria. I taught for 5 years in Victoria at Marcus Oldham College. I have also been the Coordinator for the Riding For The Disabled in Kellyville and I was the NSW State Coaching Coordinator for the EFA for 12 months. So I'm interested in all aspects of t he horse industry.
Is your family also involved in the horse industry and who makes up Team Johnson? Yes, it is a family operated business. My two children George and Alice are both a great help to me and both are excellent riders and horse handlers. My parents are also great supporters. Team Johnson really refers to the fabulous group of people who train with us and support us. From our students and their families, to our farriers and vets and everyone in between. They are all what make this such a great business to be in.
What time do you start/finish your day? We feed up at 7am and go until dark (or later), and then there's the indoor work- phone calls, emails and bookwork.
How many horses do you have in work? We have twenty horses here. A combination of our competition horses and clients’ horses.
How many pupils do you teach and what are you teaching qualifications? I'm a Level 2 NCAS Coach. I am also a Coach Educator and Assessor, which means I can train and assess other coaches. My son George is a Level 1 NCAS Coach. Between us we give an average of 20 private lessons a week. I also Coach once a month at The Kellyville Riding Club, and the Under 21s Showjumping Club. I am a member of the NSW Pony Club Associations Paid Instructors Panel and I travel to give clinics. Last December I spent a week in Malaysia, training Coaches.
Highest achievements in your sport I was an International showjumping
representative for NSW Pony Club in the 70s and travelled to NZ in a representative team.
Long listed for the Olympics and World Championship Eventing Squads in the 80's. NSW Jumping Equitation State Champion and the Victorian State Masters Games Showjumping Champion in the 90's
What is Team Johnson’s next big competition? We have the NSW State Showjumping Titles in October and then shows through to Xmas. I also take my students out to local comps for showjumping and dressage.
Are you involved in any riding associations or clubs? I'm the publicity officer for the Sydney Showjumping Club which meets on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at Clarendon
Do you have any other interests or hobbies I love reading and photography, and the beach (but I haven't been for ages).

Contact details email: christine@teamj.com.au website: www.teamj.com.au

At Team J - horses boost the life skills of young people.

At Team J - horses boost the life skills of young people.
A scientific study has revealed that an involvement with horses boosts the life skills of young people.
Horses, the study found, acted as both teachers and friends for young people.
Youths who learned horsemanship skills showed better decision-making, thinking, communicating, goal-setting and problem solving.
Working with horses helped them develop positive values and life skills that are transferred to a young person’s daily life.
Aside from life skills, young people also benefit through the physical demands of riding and horse care.
Horseback riding is a complex and demanding physical sport and the daily care of horses further develops physical fitness and instils a source of regular physical activity in a child’s life.
Horseback riding teaches teamwork in a very immediate way.
Working with horses improved young people’s self-esteem and confidence.
Daily horse chores play a role in developing a sense of responsibility, empathy and compassion; important skills for starting and maintaining relationships with others.
The horse also provides unconditional acceptance, as well as emotional support for their young caretaker.
Horses serve as both teachers and friends, and in both roles, positively impact the physical, mental and emotional well being of youth.
At Team Johnson holiday camps, young riders gain an appreciation of caring for a horse as well as learning in a positive fun filled environment.For bookings go to
www.teamj.com.au or email Christine christine@teamj.com.au